Configure the Kodi app

In this post we will learn how to develop a Kodi add-on in Python. You can run the add-on in OpenELEC or LibreELEC on the Orange Pi or Raspberry Pi, or as a matter of fact on any device that can run Kodi. The add-on will read data from various sources, such as an API for the current Bitcoin price, and show it on the main screen.

Install OpenCV on the Orange Pi

In this project I will show you how to capture images from a webcam, detect faces in those images, train a face recognition model and then try it out on video stream from a webcam. The code here can be the basis for many other projects that contain any element of personal authentication.

Set up the personal cloud service

One cool and practical project you can do on an Orange Pi or a Raspberry Pi is to set up a free, personal and “on-premise” version of Dropbox. This will allow you, among other things, to share files between your different devices. Additionally, you can automatically upload any new pictures from your phone to the cloud storage. In this tutorial you will learn to install the private cloud server software, configure it and sync files from a mobile device. I tested these steps on the Orange Pi and I assume this will also work on the Raspberry Pi. We will store the data on and external device, like a USB flash drive or external HDD, connected to the Orange Pi.

Connect the ultrasonic sensor to the Orange Pi

In this tutorial we will learn how to connect a HC-SR04 ultrasonic range sensor to the Orange Pi. This sensor measures distance from the sensor to an object by using ultrasounds. This is similar to how animal echolocation works, for example bats navigating in total darkness. Also, it’s how the submarine’s sonar detects objects under the sea.

Install Kodi on the Orange Pi

OpenELEC is an operating system built around Kodi, allowing you to turn your device in a media center. Installing OpenELEC on the Orange Pi is quite simple. In this post I will show you how to download, burn and load OpenELEC on the Orange Pi Plus 2e. The OpenELEC image is also available for the Orange Pi One, Orange Pi PC and Orange Pi Lite.